Episodes

[Rofina]

For the last 3 years I have been experiencing what I call "episodes". When these episodes occur, it feels like I'm on a very bad drug trip.  When they are severe, I can't function, and I can barely cope with anything.  I have had every test imaginable, including CT scans of my brain.  I was told everything was normal.  The route that I was told to try was a to depressants.  So, I was on Effexor, that never quite worked.  I had several side effects from using it, and it caused me to have insomnia, which the doctor then prescribed sleeping pills.  The episodes still occurred while I was taking Effexor. It helped at first, and then it stopped working.  So, now I'm off of the Effexor and sleeping pills, and I had severe withdrawals from both medications.  I've only been off of the medication for 2 months.
I don't know what is wrong and that makes it worse!  I am now starting to suffer from episodes again.  Please help me!

[Foggy2]

What type of doctor are you seeing?  What did he diagnose you with (what are these "episodes?"

Did he/she do any testing besides a CT?  If so, what were they and what were the results?

Do you have any other medical problems?

Do you take any medications or supplements?

Do you have a family history of neurological problems?

Here is info. about Effexor, which should have been gradually reduced then stopped over at least 2 weeks time:  http://www.drugs.com/effexor.html

The medications should be out of your system by now.  If you are still having side effects, something else is going on and you need to report them to your doctor.  If you are not happy with this doctor, then seek a  2nd opinion.  Giving you a medication that causes you insomnia, then giving you a sleeping medication to counteract that is not good IMO.  I would get a 2nd opinion.

[Mnr777]

How long did you try Effexor? Generally, you need to be on them for 2 months before the effects are noticeable. Insomnia is common during the first several weeks with those drugs, it usually goes away.